The book you are holding is a collection of essays written on various occasions to explore the interaction and tension between human rights and the politics of power. The main purpose of these writings is to demonstrate that, despite the dominance of state power and national sovereignty over individuals’ ability to determine their own destinies, people are capable—through deepening their awareness—of initiating a powerful struggle against any concept of state or government that evades recognition of their inherent rights, and ultimately compelling those authorities to yield to the will of the people.

Furthermore, institutions such as religion or traditions that, alongside state authority, ignore the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people, must also eventually submit to the free will of individuals in determining their own fate.

In terms of format, this book is part of the Human Rights Thought series and is composed of chapters based on questions raised by fellow citizens. As such, the content of this volume reflects real, tangible political and social issues that people face on a daily basis. Each chapter begins with a specific question, followed by an analysis aimed at offering clear, well-reasoned responses in a scientific yet accessible manner.

The title Obstacles to the Realization of Freedom and Human Rights was chosen for this book because, firstly, the questions posed—both by Iranian readers and, in some cases, by Afghan friends—mainly dealt with the challenges to the implementation of human rights. Secondly, these questions are not only interrelated in terms of content, but can also be interpreted and analyzed under the broader theme of barriers to the realization of freedom and human rights.

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